Unlikely Source of Healthy Fat: Coconuts

Heart-wise, coconut oil is 'better than butter'

By

Laura Johannes

March 31, 2014 10:37 p.m. ET

The Claim: Coconut oil, which is high in saturated fats, is increasingly being heralded as a healthy oil. Its advocates, including companies that sell it, say it's nutritious, good for the heart and a fast source of energy. The oil may possibly protect against Alzheimer's disease, they say.

The Verdict: A growing body of research suggests health benefits from coconut oil, including a recent study that found it protects mouse...